HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Recreation and Parks Committee - 12/02/2019
RECREATION AND PARKS COMMITTEE
Monday December 2, 2019
5:00-6:30 pm, Medium Conference Room at City Hall
MINUTES
Present: Rebecca Poquette, Jon Pence, Mike Simoneau, Jennifer Kochman, Lauren Wedam,
Katie Langrock, Glenn Sproul, Christy Pilsucki
Staff: Holly Rees
Guest: Ilona Blanchard, Bill Barber, Chris Carpenter, Dan Albrecht, Linda Norris
The meeting was called to order at 5:03 pm
Holly reviewed safety procedures which included change to meet in most southernmost parking
lot.
Comments from the public not related to the agenda:
Dan asked what are the planned upgrades for dog park at Farrell and which committees have
jurisdiction of open spaces/conservation parcels that have been purchased. He said he is aware
of the spreadsheet on website, but would like to know plan for parking and other amenities
that have been purchased by public funds. He said he would like to see improvements and
wants to know who he could contact.
In regard to the first matter, Holly responded that the dog park liaison is Maggie Lueggers and is
working with Justin. Mike is R&P liaison for R&P. Justin is working on design and working with
wetlands committee. Holly said Dan could talk with Justin or Maggie about the matter.
In regard to the second matter, Holly responded that the only parcel that R&P has any oversight
of is Underwood. Holly collaborates with DPW and their staff. Ashley Parker has been looking
at open space inventory of Underwood, Wheeler and Red Rocks. They all have a management
plan except Underwood. Plan is to assemble a task force to develop and institute an
Underwood management plan. R&P and CC supported this. Plan is to decide today which R&P
committee member will be part of this task force. Josh Ryan of Timber and Stone will be
mapping trail work now that we have wetland delineation. Bike and Ped are looking at a shared
use lane. Parking will likely be last in phase 1 as there is more use of the park.
Dan asked if there was a visioning process for the prior parcels like Underwood that were
purchased with open space money along with a statement from CC? In transfer of land, there
were expectations of the use of the land.
Jennifer said the City does not have that type of file capturing who owned it before, how it was
purchased, liens or restrictions, what are the studies been done and that all of that should be in
a City file.
Ilona said the open space committee did a matrix regarding any properties open for purchase,
what will the use be and will it be worth it.
Dan responded that it is okay to purchase property, but need to keep up with the parcels we
have currently. Dan expressed that he wants the ability to walk on the properties purchased by
public money.
Changes or additions to the agenda:
Need to appoint someone to management plan task force and create a subcommittee to look
at VPRA - can add to end of agenda.
Review of Indoor Rec Center Slides and Cost Presentation (Ilona):
Ilona gave an overview of the presentation she will give to CC tonight so R&P can ask questions.
Ilona reviewed the timeline up to this point and including tonight with this update and cost
estimates. The next step is an operational review by Ballard- King where they will be assessing
revenues and fees. Ilona reviewed schematic site plan both exterior footprint and interior
design, reviewed changes made to interior, massing for cost estimate, construction cost
17,671,000 ($326/sq foot). Ilona notes that Boston MA buildings are running $350/sq foot.
Ilona said they are moving toward a passive building standard, notes every few years VT code
updated to tighten standards for efficiency, those costs are included too.
Mike responded that it seems like a high number considering we already own the land. As
process moves forward, would be good to value engineer it.
Ilona said that certain foundational elements will need to remain but will be looking to tighten
up design, removing sq footage as each sq foot costs money. Owner’s total costs estimated to
be $21,497,375. Possible areas of cost reduction are the turf court, indoor connector and
movement studio.
Ilona reviewed two different energy options:
1) Air sourced heat pump HVAC (VRV) system adds $119,500 cost but shifts conditioning
energy consumption mostly to electric, Greenhouse gas emissions are cut in half, annual
energy costs increase 6% or $5,000/year.
2) A ground loop “geothermal” HVAC system adds $513,900 cost and has the same energy
shift and greenhouse gas advantages as VRV, but annual energy costs decrease about
6% or $5,500/year
Bill Barber asked what are the costs operationally?
Holly said this is the next step to be assessed by late December.
Dan asked Will staffing increase? How much? What is the funding plan?
Ilona / Holly responded that the facilities operation will identify staffing needs, cost for
additional staff, fee structures such as the free track, drop in fee, tournament fee, etc.
Holly reminded everyone that R&P will be losing current building for R&P, using school building
is not an option. With this new facility, can build existing R&P activities and start new ones.
Right now we cannot add or grow programming.
Linda asked what does Middlebury center cost? Are we integrating with the schools?
Holly responded that the Middlebury facility cost about 4 million but that it is not sufficient for
our needs. We have similar needs with the school but the needs are at the same time. The
school provided very limited access for residents (6-7am or after 7:30pm and sporadically).
Linda said she believes the track team uses their track only during defined times.
Holly responded that part of the school’s operational plan is to house indoor winter track meets
and be a resource for community members to use the facility for tournaments to offset
operational costs. There is a lot of competition for indoor sports during winter months.
Chris expressed concern about the school’s project, the open space pennies project, and indoor
recreation facility. He sees a collision as a tax payer and wants to know if this is going along in a
parallel fashion.
Ilona responded that the Indoor Rec Facility it is a priority for their committee. It will not be on
ballot in March and we do not have a ballot date yet.
Holly responded that there are competing interests. We are all working toward good things, but
we need to talk and see what’s on each committee lists. Holly said the recent committee
symposium/project boards with plans was a step in that direction.
180 Market Street Update, Review Final Design, Fit up and Finish and next steps (Ilona):
Ilona reported that construction on roadway started east of the building, they have all the
permits except Planning and Zoning. Wastewater permit was the last permit they received.
Ilona said the project is moving along, expect occupancy in 2021.
Holly asked if there was any update we should have such as any significant changes?
Ilona said the floor plan is the same. Total cost is $21.8 for 50,000 sq feet. Ilona review interior
floor plan and exterior footprint. The senior center is about 2000 sq feet. City could rent space
out too for extra money. R&P requested some input into furniture plan. Ilona said she can ask
for samples and pictures which she can bring to committee. The auditorium has 100 seats, built
as a flexible space. It will have full stage lightings and sound, media plug ins, ability to broadcast
and acoustic dampening properties.
IZ update report presented to Planning Commission Review (Holly):
Holly cannot find a listing or inventory so does not have an update on this. Will be postponed.
Conservation Ballot Initiative Resolution Review (R&P discussion):
Further discussion of Pennies For Preservation that was initially discussed during R&P retreat.
CC will be hearing this proposal for it to be possibly on the March ballot. Jon and Glenn were
tasked with drafting a resolution.
First draft read in meeting, subcommittee formed to revise and create a second draft which will
then be put on Google Docs to take individual feedback. Discussed having someone from R&P
attend CC meeting tonight to verbally oppose it with statement to follow.
Motion by Jennifer to go to City Council meeting tonight to state: The SBRP committee wishes
to state our strong opposition to the Pennies for Preservation initiative (presented to City
Council on November 18, 2019) ahead of a ballot item which would forward the proposed
indoor recreation facility for the South Burlington community. A more complete statement
from our committee will follow soon. Seconded by Mike. Jennifer and Mike will attend the
meeting tonight.
Review and possible approval of November 18 and Retreat Minutes:
Approval of both sets of minutes: Jennifer motioned, mike seconded.
Added agenda item: Appoint someone to open space management task force:
Jon volunteered. Holly will let Ashley know.
VPRA subcommittee:
Will be deferred to January meeting. Holly will send VPRA report.
Glenn moved to adjourn the meeting and Lauren seconded at 7:13PM.
Next Regular Meeting: January 13, 2020 5:00 PM